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Read TaJay’s original Student Spotlight blog. 
 
TaJay McDonald’s journey in eye care is a powerful example of how dedication, adaptability, and strong professional relationships can open doors sooner than expected. 

A Strong Start Before Graduation 

 As TaJay neared the end of her final semester in the Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OPMT) Program at Alexandria Technical and Community College, her commitment and clinical skills quickly caught the attention of employers. Before graduating, she received three job offers, highlighting both her preparedness and the growing demand for highly trained ophthalmic technicians. 

 Gaining Experience and Clarifying Career Goals 

 TaJay initially accepted a position with a pediatric ophthalmology clinic, where she gained valuable experience working with children and observing strabismus surgeries. This experience further strengthened her foundation in ophthalmic care and helped clarify her long-term goals and the type of role she wanted to grow into within the field. 

 Taking the Next Step in Her Career 

After thoughtful consideration, TaJay made the decision to take the next step in her career growth. She recently gave notice at the pediatric ophthalmology clinic and is excited to begin a new position on February 9 with a clinic specializing in cataracts and glaucoma. In this role, TaJay will work as an ophthalmic technician while also managing the practice’s social media and marketing efforts, and training for a future management position. This role allows her to combine clinical expertise with leadership, communication, and creativity. 

The Power of Professional Connections 

A key part of TaJay’s success has been her continued connection to two of her precepting clinics, where she completed clinical rotations during the OPMT program. TaJay credits both practices for their ongoing support in helping her refine her technical skills. Through these professional relationships, she was able to make connections that ultimately led to her newest opportunity, one that aligns closely with her professional goals. 

 Continuing to Grow as a Professional 

In addition to beginning this new role, TaJay is actively studying for her certification exam, continuing to build on the strong academic and clinical foundation she developed during the OPMT program. 

 We are incredibly proud of TaJay’s continued growth and excited to see her thrive as she steps into a role that reflects her versatility, leadership potential, and passion for the field of eye care. 

 Inspired by TaJay’s journey? 

If you’re interested in a career in eye care and want to learn more about the Ophthalmic Medical Technician (OPMT) Program at Alexandria Technical and Community College, we invite you to join one of our upcoming information webinars. 

Register here for an upcoming OPMT webinar to learn more about the program, career opportunities, and what it takes to get started.